Khulna Faces Environmental and Economic Challenges as Climate Impacts Intensify

KHULNA, Bangladesh — The southwestern city of Khulna, a key industrial and port hub in Bangladesh, is grappling with mounting environmental and economic pressures as climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, according to local officials and community leaders. The region, known for its proximity to the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the Rupsha River, has seen a rise in salinity intrusion, flooding, and disruptions to agriculture and livelihoods in recent months.

Local authorities reported on Tuesday that water salinity in several areas of Khulna district has reached critical levels, affecting drinking water supplies and irrigation for crops. The Khulna City Corporation has deployed additional water purification units to vulnerable wards, but residents in outlying areas like Rupsha and Phultala say access to fresh water remains sporadic. "The river water is too salty to drink or use for farming now," said Mohammad Ali, a farmer in Phultala. "We rely on rain for our fields, but the monsoon has been unpredictable."

Climate scientists attribute the worsening salinity to rising sea levels and reduced upstream flow from the Ganges River system, which has been altered by infrastructure projects in neighboring India. Bangladesh, a low-lying delta nation, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and Khulna’s location at the confluence of several rivers makes it particularly exposed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has projected that salinity intrusion will increase in the region, threatening food security for millions.

Economic activities in Khulna are also under strain. The city’s shrimp processing plants, a major export sector, have reported higher operational costs due to the need to treat increasingly saline water. The Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that some factories have reduced output, affecting employment for thousands of workers. "We are seeing a slowdown in orders from international buyers because production costs are rising," said chamber president Ratan Kumar Ghosh. "The government needs to invest in desalination technology and alternative water sources to keep our industries competitive."

On the international front, Khulna’s challenges have drawn attention from global climate forums. Last week, delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference referenced the city as a case study for adaptation strategies in delta regions. The World Bank has approved a $200 million project to improve water management and infrastructure in southwestern Bangladesh, including parts of Khulna. However, local activists argue that funding disbursement has been slow and that communities need immediate assistance.

Infrastructure development in Khulna has also faced setbacks. The much-anticipated Khulna-Dhaka expressway, which was expected to boost trade and connectivity, has seen delays due to land acquisition disputes and rising construction material costs. Meanwhile, the Mongla Port, located about 30 kilometers south of the city, has experienced a decline in cargo volume as global shipping routes shift. Port authorities are working to attract new business by offering incentives for transshipment, but competition from larger ports in India and Sri Lanka remains stiff.

Health officials in Khulna have reported a rise in waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and typhoid, linked to contaminated water sources. The Khulna Medical College Hospital has set up additional treatment units, but doctors warn that the situation could worsen during the summer months. "We are seeing more patients from rural areas who have no choice but to use saline or polluted water," said Dr. Fatima Begum, a public health specialist. "This is a public health emergency that requires a coordinated response from all levels of government."

Despite these challenges, community initiatives are emerging. In the Khulna suburb of Boyra, a group of women has established a rainwater harvesting network that now serves 500 households. The project, funded by a local NGO, has reduced dependence on groundwater and provided a model for other neighborhoods. "We are not waiting for the government to solve everything," said project coordinator Salma Khatun. "We are taking small steps to protect our families and our future."

As Khulna navigates these intersecting crises, observers say the city’s experience offers lessons for other coastal urban centers in Bangladesh and beyond. The need for integrated planning that combines climate adaptation, economic diversification, and community engagement has never been more urgent.